The Tigers defense spurred LSU's eighth straight win by forcing the Bulldogs' quarterbacks into seven turnovers that led to five touchdowns and a field goal in the 45-0 victory. Five scores came after interceptions thrown by Henig and the sixth came after backup quarterback Wesley Carroll fumbled.

That allowed LSU's new starting quarterback Matt Flynn and new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton time to find a rhythm after struggling early.

"The defense made it really easy for us tonight," Flynn said. "We felt like on offense we didn't have to make any really big plays."

The defense handled those as LSU won its eighth straight and 15th of the last 16 in the series with the Bulldogs. Since Mississippi State's last win in 1999, LSU has outscored the Bulldogs 340-81, including three shutouts by 42 or more points.

Mississippi State has lost 12 straight games to Top 10 opponents and 11 of its last 13 home games.

Steltz, Curtis Taylor, Jonathan Zenon and Danny McCray had interceptions in the first half and Steltz added two more in the second half. The Tigers needed the help as a stout Bulldogs defense held them scoreless on every drive but one that wasn't set up by a turnover.

Henig also fumbled the snap on a fourth-and-1 attempt after he led the team on a nine-play drive in the first quarter that put the Bulldogs at the Tigers 36. It was one of only two serious forays into LSU territory.

Henig tied the school record for interceptions in a game that had stood since 1949, when Max Stainbrook did it against Cincinnati. It was Henig's fifth multiple-interception game in 10 career starts and the most picks he's thrown since giving away three passes against Alabama on Nov. 5, 2005, as a freshman.

Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom said the turnovers undermined any chance the Bulldogs had.

"You lose field position, you lose offensive opportunities and the big thing is you can't give the defense a rest," he said.

Flynn gained confidence as the game progressed. After completing 3 of 7 passes for 23 yards in the first quarter, JaMarcus Russell's replacement zeroed in on Early Doucet. The fifth-year senior quarterback finished with 128 yards on 12 of 19 passing with two touchdowns and no turnovers in his second career start. Doucet had nine catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Flynn also ran for 42 yards.

"I was surprised by how athletic he was," Croom said.

Jacob Hester gave LSU a boost early and finished with 68 yards rushing on 14 carries. He also served as the lead blocker on a 1-yard TD runs by Keiland Williams that helped the Tigers to a 17-0 halftime lead.

LSU's defense appears every bit as dominating as last year's squad after giving up just 146 yards, including 10 rushing yards, and sacking Mississippi State quarterbacks four times.